I have said time and again, we are living this journey as God writes the story. I catch myself planning things out the way I hope/want them to happen. Silly me, when I know that the Master Planner already has it written down. HIS story, our story is part of the journey.
I went home over the weekend and worked on things to prepare for our return. The kids have done a great job keeping things pretty much together. We are soproud of them for all they have done these past few months while we were away. How they have grown closer and just took charge and still enjoyed life and all their activities. We are beyond thankful for the friends and family that have came along to be the extra Mom and Dad to our kiddos during these long weeks.
This week started with the excitement of departing the VA Hospital on Wednesday morning- 1 July. Jerry worked hard these last two days with all of his therapies. Through all the weeks here in rehab, he has always given 110% to every therapy session. He fought off exhaustion, back pain, spasms, discouragement when his body doesn't do what his mind wants it to do. He always followed thru and made the best of every situation. ( This doesn't surprise me one bit :) thats my man !! )
Tuesday, I went home to do a final run thru of the house to make sure things were ready for Dad coming home. Lots of medical supplies to find a place for and med equip to place in our small cozy home. Everything looks great and then he calls to say he has a Fever of 102.9 He has been so healthy these last two months, besides the first week of recovery from surgery. So this was such a shock to both of us.
I think in my mind the only thing that would change our departure would be if he decided to do something crazy like walking too much with his crutches or walker and fall or something like that. But to have an infection was not even in our mind. I was in tears Tues evening, we have waited so long for this journey to change course and the idea of all of us being together again was so JOY filling. I was mad, heart broken, discouraged and weary. I just wanted this to all be done, and being home was thte final page of this part of the story. This fever is a JOY zapper, for sure. I received a msg from a friend with a verse that reminded me to trust the Lord's plan. :
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10God has amazing plans for your family. I'm sorry there have been so many hurdles! I'm convinced they are all pieces of this amazing story God is writing. Praying for strength and encouragement for you both. Love ya bunches!
I was able to tell the older two that night, they were bummed but thankfully can understand this, almost better than Jerry and I. I dreaded telling the younger two. Isaia has been counting the hours til we are all home together. He had told me earlier, "one more sleep, Mom ". They stayed at friends house Tuesday, I needed to be strong to tell them. Though , deep down I am tired of being strong, I am weak and I need the Lord more than ever. Jerry's body is weak and the Lord is the giver of his strength.
So, I came back across on the midnight ferry. What a beautiful night , with a full moon and the stars shining brilliantly, lighting the way in the night. I was reminded to keep my eyes on the Lord, he is guiding us and is navigating our path. I am reminded of how , even in the darkness his way is perfect and makes a way when we can't seem to see, we don't know what's ahead but He does and He is not surprised by anything that happens. Oh, to trust him and keep my eyes focused on HIS perfect plan.
Wednesday we fought thru tears of disappointment. Jerry's body is still fighting through this fever. Pray for it to be broken and his strength to be renewed. ~~ We are thankful that this came on before we went home, that would have been much more difficult to deal with. We are thankful he has a cool place to be, this has been the hottest summer on record here in the NW. 80's and 90's are NOT the norm for June here. So, there are several ways we can Count it all Joy. He is on a round of IV antibiotics thru the weekend. So we will be here until the beginning of next week. It's been 9 weeks , whats one more, right.
We are taking these days to just rest and be ready for the transition home. It is giving us both time to pray and lift up others we know going through some very difficult times right now. It's a blessing of time ,even though our hearts desire was to be home with the kids by this weekend. Our Independence day is coming soon.
Please pray for the antibiotics to work and clear up Jerry's infection and no more complications
That his body would gain strength and he would be able to rest these extra days
That the kids would be strong and have a fun weekend
That we would not be discouraged through this bump in the journey.
That Jerry would be healed so we can go home early next week !
That we can be encouragers to others we meet here during our last days in the Spinal unit and that the Lord would be glorified through this latest change of plans.
In the Fisher House tonight is a family whose loved one is having a heart transplant on the 4th, pray for them and the family that chose to donate to them.
Thank you all for coming alongside of us. your prayers truly carry us through the hard days as well as tthe good days. we Love you all
Tammy and Jerry
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